Here’s the thing. I’m driving the new Porsche 911 and I know it’s terrific. I can see it’s going to be one of those cars that becomes the default choice in its class. But there’s still a little doubt in the back of my mind.
I know it’s an unreasonable one. Because – as when somebody says they want a small hot hatch and without hesitating I recommend a Ford Fiesta ST – when people ask what sports car is special but usable every day, the stock answer will remain ‘buy a 911’.
The new 911 is polished to a brilliant degree, honed like never before to the extent that, possibly, there’s less inherent 911 quirkiness to it than ever. The engine has been pushed forwards by 14mm and the front track is much wider so there’s less inherent 911 nose-bobbing. Though that’s not what’s bothering me; push a 911 and the physics are still the physics.
It takes me almost another week to work out what’s sitting on my shoulder, reminding me why I didn’t utterly fall for the new Carrera S despite being exceptionally impressed by it.
I don’t mind that it’s less exciting than some rivals – like a Mercedes-AMG GT or Aston Martin Vantage – for the very good reason that it is a more polished, rounded proposition than those.
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The 5% sports car....
Matt is right. But also caught, like most of us, in a time-warp of past memory. You've got to be up at 06.30 and out by 07.00 am at the WEEKDEND to enjoy any car like the Alpine, wonderful though it is. Weekdays ? Just get an electric Kona....if you live in SE England.
Cars and the people that build'em, flogg'em and drive'em reflect who we are because we are the ones doing all the above. Drive a 911 G-series 95% of the time around here and you'll soon be hankering after a 992.
As for the Alpine: bravo. And pray. Pray that post-Ghosn, Renault doesn't fall asleep at the wheel. Michael van der Sande and David Twohig have both gone. Who's manning the Alpine store now ? Precisely. Still, there's always Lotus sprinkled with Geely fairy-dust to look forward to ?!
Not sure the premise is correct
Surely the Cayman fills the hole the 911 once occupied? The 911 is more GT than sportscar now and has been for some time. The Cayman is a better match for the Alpine surely, and surely its also more fun than a 911, no, particularly the GT4?
That said I'd still take the Alpine. Until Porsche go back to their roots with something properly lightweight...
Of Course the 911 is Still King
As Matt ages, so I sense his priorities are shifting and hence we arrive at this article. The article states "the 911 is more perfect than ever" and asks the question 'is it still King'. So Matt acknowledges the previous iteration was the King, and this one is better still. He's answered his own question. With that out of the way we are able to get to the issue; does the new sports car King marry with Matt's changing priorities, and the answer is no. I get that, I am the same, similar age to Matt, always thought the 911 was the benchmark, still do, but personally I now care less about the attributes that maintain its hold on the throne. But to suggest an Alpine is even in the same league as even the last gen 911 is to be seriously deluded. Let's watch the sales numbers, all you reading this and waxing lyrical About the Alpine can go out and buy the Alpine, lets see come the end of the year how many did. I agree the 911 might not be the default choice for some, and for those Porsche has the GT4 coming your way soon, if like me your nice to your local Porsche Dealer.